camera

I admit it...I have been a little afraid of my camera. I have to get out the manual to do simple things like empty the memory card. So today I decided to just read one extra page in the manual (seriously) and I learned all sorts of things that I probably should have known months ago. Deep breath...maybe I'll even read another page tomorrow.

progress, part 2

A painter came to give some of our old windows a much-needed facelift and TLC this morning. Despite choking on the noxious fumes I am very excited to be able to open our shutters!

sunbutter

In my search for different non-meat and non-peanut protein, I have just discovered sunbutter. It is like peanut butter but made out of sunflower seeds. It is so good! I don't know why it isn't more commonly used...or maybe it is and I am out of it.

progress

Now that we are all finally healthy we are busy getting ready for the new baby...Meg is moving into the guest room and Mark put together a bed for her. Meanwhile Meg was out in the hallway curled up in the infant bassinet we got out for Katie. Is this a sign of regression already??

bean & vegetable enchilada casserole

I am on a quest to find recipes that are healthy, inexpensive, and easy. Usually a recipe is 2 of those but not all 3....healthy and inexpensive but hard, inexpensive and easy but processed and unhealthy, etc. Here is a recipe that fits the bill perfectly:

1 med. bell pepper, chopped
1 lg. onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 T. oil
1 can black beans
1 can pinto beans
2 c. frozen corn, thawed (I don't thaw mine, I just throw it in)
1 can (28 oz.) pureed/crushed tomatoes
1 T. chili powder
1/2 t. cumin
dash of hot sauce (I omit)
salt and pepper, to taste
12 corn tortillas (I use four 10-in. whole wheat flour ones)
1 c. grated Jack cheese (I use whatever cheese I have)

1. Preheat 350. In lg. saucepan, heat oil and saute pepper, garlic and onion for 5 mins. Add beans, corn, tomatoes, and seasonings. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 mins.
2. Assemble in 9x13 dish as follows: 1/3 bean mixture, tortillas to cover (2 10-in. work for me), 1/3 bean mixture, tortillas, 1/3 bean mixture, cheese.
3. Bake 30-40 mins. or until hot and bubbly.

third trimester

Little feet just like these are waking me up at 4:30 in the morning with tiny kicks, and then continue all throughout the day as a sweet reminder of what's around the corner. Amazing.

strawberry jam

We are still fighting serious sickness in this house (not me, thankfully) and we are hibernating indoors. I made another batch of strawberry jam, this time to give away to neighbors. I meant to bring something to the neighbors for the holidays, but now it is March... I printed the stickers off on circular label paper, just as I did for the baby shower favors. Very easy!